Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil
A silky smooth yellow split pea purée seasoned with lemon and topped with capers and extra virgin olive oil, ideal as a meze or appetizer. This greek-inspired vegan (mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs yellow split peas, water, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 small onion yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are very soft and starting to break down.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, gently sauté 1/2 finely chopped yellow onion in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Transfer cooked peas and their liquid to a blender, add sautéed onions, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding cooking liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 5: Spoon the fava purée onto a serving plate, drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and scatter 1 tbsp drained capers on top for a briny finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yellow split peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Traditional Greek Fava Split Pea Purée with Olive Oil?
Greek vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
